Research in an open ended fashion to improve your critical evaluation of facts. Open ended research usually entails shifting your reading and viewing habits to include sources that are educational or current event based. Conduct focused research on your topic. List the areas you feel you have strong background knowledge and any gaps in your knowledge on the topic. Try to fill in these gaps while coordinating your research with other teammates, so there is little to no overlap in your research efforts and you make the best use of your time.
Ask your teacher or coach what the best clothing for your level of competition might be if you are unsure. Lower level or less serious competitions might only require a dress shirt or polo with a pair of khaki pants. High level competitions, championships for example, will probably be best attended in a suit and tie. Don’t overdress; although a tuxedo will set you apart, it might seem to others like you are showing off.
An unbiased introduction that presents basic information and the topic. A body that includes an emotional point, a logical point, and an ethical point in favor of your side of the debate. You should also have examples, quotations, and statistics to strengthen your case. A conclusion that summarizes the important points made by you and/or members of your team. [6] X Research source
Record yourself if you are able. This way you can check your posture, gestures, and speaking volume. Try rehearsing in front of mirror. Note how you use your hands, how your words sync with your expressions, and the naturalness of your body language.
Organize your flashcards so that the most important information is offset from other details by using underlines, highlighting, or other marks. Include a bare-bones outline of your talking points so that if you are interrupted or lose your place, you can get back on topic easily. Study with your flashcards regularly. Choose intervals throughout the day to study, like after waking up, during lunch, and before going to bed. Repetition will help reinforce your memorization. [9] X Research source
Exercise the day before a debate. Take a natural sleep supplement, like chamomile tea or melatonin, to help falling asleep. [11] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Posture: avoid slouching or lazy posture, as these can be interpreted negatively. A straight-back, feet shoulder width apart, attentive but at ease stance will make it easy for you to transition to other gestures/postures throughout your speech. Gesture: make sure there is enough variety in your gestures; repetitive motions can hurt your score. Keep your gestures above the waist so that each can be easily seen. Eye contact: it is generally expected that you will have to consult notes for specific figures and certain points, but maintaining strong and consistent eye contact is expected throughout your debate. You should practice speaking and scanning your notes before your debate. [13] X Research source
The point, “School uniforms restrict students’ individuality,” might be re-framed, “School uniforms prevent individuality from negatively impacting the learning of all students. "
Prove that the problem solved by the motion does not exist. Prove that the motion proposed does not solve the problem. Prove that the motion is not the appropriate way to solve the problem and/or that the plan proposed brings more negative consequences than benefits.
Is the methodology of the other side flawed in some way?[15] X Research source Does the opposition make any claims that have factual, moral, or logical errors? Does the opposition make an assumptions or logical fallacies?
Some uses of POIs: clarification, disruption of someone’s speech, pointing out weaknesses, or to get an answer useful for your own argument. An example of using a POI for your argument might go something like: “After the second speaker of the proposition side accepted my POI, she admitted that. . . " In most competitive debate, POIs are limited to 15 seconds.
Accept POIs by saying, “Yes,” or “I’ll take your point. " Decline POIs by saying, “No thank you,” or gently waving your hand downward to indicate an opponent should sit. [18] X Research source
If one of the opposing team’s POIs references a specific study or authority, then you may want to consider what you know about that source. As you consider the source, think about how you can refute other points that your opposition might draw from that source.
